Nursing Elites

1. The nurse in the pediatric clinic performs a physical assessment of a 13-year-old boy. Which of the following findings by the nurse requires immediate intervention?

• A. The adolescent complains of his scrotum aching after exercise. The nurse palpates a worm-like mass above the testes.
• B. The nurse noted unilateral breast enlargement.
• C. The child’s scrotum appears swollen, and a soft mass is palpated. The nurse is unable to insert a finger above the mass.
• D. The child’s scrotum appears enlarged and red. The nurse palpated a thickened and swollen spermatic cord.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer because a swollen and thickened spermatic cord could indicate testicular torsion, which is a surgical emergency. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. This condition requires immediate intervention to prevent testicular damage. Choices A, B, and C do not present findings that suggest a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

2. A client is transferred from the emergency department to the locked psychiatric unit after attempting suicide by taking 200 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets. The client is now awake and alert but refuses to speak with the nurse. In this situation, the nurse’s first priority is to:

• A. Establish a rapport to foster trust
• B. Place the client in full restraints
• C. Try to communicate with the client in writing
• D. Ensure safety by initiating suicide precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's highest priority should be to ensure the client's safety by initiating suicide precautions. Given the history of a suicide attempt by taking a large number of acetaminophen tablets, there is a high risk of further self-harm. Placing the client in full restraints without assessing the situation properly may escalate anxiety and hinder therapeutic communication. Trying to communicate with the client in writing could be an option but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Establishing rapport is essential for building trust and therapeutic relationship, but safety concerns must be addressed first in this critical situation.

3. In determining and fulfilling the nursing care needs of the patient, which step involves assessing whether the care provided is appropriate and effective in relation to the patient's current physiological and psychological status?

• A. Evaluation
• B. Planning
• C. Implementation
• D. Assessment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Evaluation.' Evaluation in nursing involves assessing whether the care provided is appropriate and effective in relation to the patient's current physiological and psychological status. This step helps determine the outcomes of the care provided and if any changes are needed. Choice B, 'Planning,' focuses on developing a plan of care based on the assessment findings. Choice C, 'Implementation,' involves carrying out the plan of care. Choice D, 'Assessment,' is the initial step in the nursing process that involves gathering data about the patient's health status.

4. The healthcare provider is conducting a respiratory assessment and is determining respirations per minute. Which factor(s) generally affect the character of respirations? Select all that apply.

• A. Anxiety
• B. Exercise
• C. Smoking
• D. A, B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! Anxiety and exercise can significantly alter the character of respirations, increasing the rate and depth. Smoking, while harmful to the respiratory system in the long term, does not directly affect the character of respirations like anxiety and exercise do. Therefore, choices C (Smoking) is incorrect. The correct answer is D (A, B).

5. Which laboratory data indicate the client’s pancreatitis is improving?

• A. The amylase and lipase serum levels are decreased
• B. The white blood cell count (WBC) is decreased
• C. The conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin levels are decreased
• D. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) serum level is decreased

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Amylase and lipase are specific markers for pancreatitis. A decrease in their serum levels indicates improvement in pancreatitis. Choice B, a decreased white blood cell count (WBC), is more indicative of an improvement in infection rather than pancreatitis. Choices C and D, decreased bilirubin levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels respectively, are not specific markers for pancreatitis improvement.

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